Program Overview

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Introduction to the MA Program

The Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies offers a Master of Arts (MA) program with three streams: Coursework-only, Major Research Project (MRP), and Thesis. Each stream is designed to provide students with a unique learning experience tailored to their academic and professional goals.

MA Admission & Application Information

Before applying, it is recommended that prospective students contact the Associate Director, Graduate or the Graduate Administrator to make an informed decision and learn about the program.

Choice of Stream

Students can choose among three streams through the MA program:

• Coursework-only Stream: This stream allows maximum flexibility and breadth in a student's coursework. After the three courses required of all MA students, students must take five electives at and outside of the Centre. This option does not require any capstone project outside of coursework.
• Major Research Project (MRP) Stream: This stream allows students to orient their study to the creation of an original artistic work that complements their academic and creative interests. In addition to the three required courses and four electives, MRP students will enroll in DRA1005 Research & Praxis in the winter term. This course will support the development of a research-creation or arts-based-research project of the student's own devising.
• Thesis Stream: This stream allows students to write a conventional academic thesis of 12K-15K words. In addition to the three required courses, Thesis students will take three further electives and will enroll in DRA1004 MA Thesis. The thesis will be written under the supervision of a member of the CDTPS graduate faculty.

Application Dates & Deadlines

• Application opens: October 10, 2025
• Application deadlines: January 14, 2026

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered under the School of Graduate Studies' General Regulations. Admissions are selective; possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants must also satisfy the Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies' additional admission requirements:

• An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with standing equivalent to at least a University of Toronto B+ and with a significant concentration in theatre, drama, performance, and related disciplines.

English Language Requirement

Please refer to the School of Graduate Studies' English-Language Proficiency Testing page.

International Applicants

The deadline to apply is January 14, 2026, for regular graduate funding package. Please visit the School of Graduate Studies' International & Exchange Students page.

Application Procedure

• Application Form & Fee: Apply via the University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies Online Admissions Application. The application fee is $130 CA.
• Supporting Documents: Include the following on the School of Graduate Studies Online Admissions Application:
  • A Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining all activities pertinent to study at the Centre, in research, publication, teaching, and performing arts practice.
  • Copies of all undergraduate transcripts are acceptable for the application. Official transcripts are only required after an offer of admissions is received.
  • Two letters of recommendation providing substantive information on the applicant's abilities, achievements, and potential for graduate studies.
  • A Cover Letter: In 800–1,000 words, describe your scholarly interests, the reasons for your particular interest in the field of theatre and performance studies, your previous scholarly experience and artistic practice that have prepared you for a graduate program, and why the CDTPS at the University of Toronto is a good match for your academic and/or professional pursuits.
  • Letter of Intent (250 words) or Thesis Proposal (1,000 words): Applicants to the MA Program must declare which of the three streams they intend to pursue.

After You Apply

Log into your Online Admissions Application to check your application status. Your application will be marked “Under Review” when it has gone to the Admission Committee for consideration.

Notification Of Admission Decisions

Decisions are made as soon as possible, rather than by a specific date. By the end of the current admissions cycle, the outcomes of all applications should be communicated. Possession of the minimum requirements of the Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies and the School of Graduate Studies does not guarantee admission. Candidates must be competitive among fellow applicants.

Collaborative Programs

As a Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies master’s degree student, you have the option of applying to a collaborative MA program in one of the following areas of study:

• Asian Institute - Centres & Programs
• Collaborating Units - Anne Tanenbaum Centre for Jewish Studies
• Diaspora and Transnational Studies
• Sexual Diversity Studies
• Women & Gender Studies
• More possibilities, to be discussed in person

Please contact the Associate Director, Graduate or the Graduate Administrator if you intend to apply to a collaborative program.